KOLHAPUR: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for the canteens running at institutions of higher learning to have licences under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
In a circular issue recently, UGC secretary Jaspal Sandhu said the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 along with the rules and regulations, provide the statutory framework for regulating, the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of food to ensure health and hygiene.
He said the act stipulates that no person shall commence any food business unless he/she possesses a valid license. However, it has been observed that canteens and other food establishments in various educational institutions have not been licensed under the act.
The UGC has asked the vice-chancellors of the universities to ensure the implementation of FSS Act, 2006 in food establishments on campuses of universities and colleges affiliated to them. "The FSSAI would also organise training for food handlers working in food establishments of educational institutions to provide safe and wholesome food to students."
To obtain the licence, institutions will have to contact the FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi.
M S Kembalkar, assistant commissioner, FDA city unit, told TOI that it is mandatory for college and university canteens to get the license from the FSSAI. "The FDA unit has started conducting frequent inspections at universities and colleges to ensure that the canteens are complying with norms. If any food establishment is found without license, the owner is given 15 days to obtain the same. A criminal case can be filed for failing to apply for the licence within this period," he said .
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